It’s MAXXI Gala Time: the Elite of International Art and Culture Takes Center Stage in Rome
It’s one of the most anticipated events of the season, perhaps the most awaited in Rome. Thanks to the MAXXI Gala, the annual fundraising event, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts brings to life an important initiative to support the enhancement of its national collections of contemporary art, architecture, and design. All this is imbued with a seductive aura of glamour that has made this Roman evening even more special for years. Last night, in the spaces designed by Zaha Hadid, nearly five hundred guests gathered, including patrons and supporters, cultural figures, and stars of the Italian and international entertainment scene. They were welcomed by the Acting Councillor Emanuela Bruni, Artistic Director Francesco Stocchi, and directors Lorenza Baroncelli and Monia Trombetta. We as Say Who were there and met, among others, Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, Maria Grazia Chiuri (Creative Director of Dior), Massimo Giorgetti (Founder and Creative Director of MSGM), actress Ambra Angiolini, stunning in a spectacular total black look, pop entrepreneur Stefano Seletti, artists Rick Lowe, Nacho Carbonell, and Rolf Sachs, President of the Italian National Chamber of Fashion Carlo Capasa, curator Francesco Bonami, Artistic Director of MACRO – Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome – Luca Lo Pinto, writer Nicola Lagioia, actress Stefania Rocca, and President of Amici del MAXXI, Adriana Batan Rocca. A blend of charm and purpose, the evening began with a cocktail reception and continued with an ultra-exclusive gala dinner, enhanced by a musical performance by Roman singer-songwriter Ditonellapiaga.
During the evening, guests also had the opportunity to preview the exhibition Memorabile. Ipermoda. Curated by Maria Luisa Frisa (also present at the Roman event) and organized in collaboration with the Italian National Chamber of Fashion with support from the Bvlgari Foundation, the project explores the present and the role of fashion from 2015 to today, oscillating between creativity and finance, increasingly sophisticated technologies, and craftsmanship, showcasing both main players and supporting figures. In short, it was a spectacle within a spectacle.
Photos: Niccolò Campita
Text: Germano D’Acquisto
